Method and device for improving blood flow by a series of electrically-induced muscular contractions

ABSTRACT

A treatment method and device for promoting a localized increase in the flow of blood through a blood vessel in an area of the body, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode operatively contacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) at least a second electrode operatively contacting a second portion of body tissue; and (iii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, for providing a plurality of electrical impulses to the electrodes; (b) applying the electrical impulses so as to subject the muscular tissue to at least one voltage differential, thereby inducing repeated, contracting, directional movement of muscular tissue associated within the blood vessel, so as to produce a localized increase in the flow of blood through the blood vessel.

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/451,334 filed 20 Jun. 2003, which claims priority fromPCT/IL02/00035, filed 16 Jan. 2002, which in turn claims priority fromIsraeli Patent Application No. 140950, filed 17 Jan. 2001.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of enhancing blood flow, andmore particularly, to a method of promoting a localized increase in theflow of blood through a blood vessel by inducement of a repeated,contracting movement of muscular tissue associated with the bloodvessel, the inducement being achieved by subjecting the muscular tissueto an electric current. This repeated, contracting movement of musculartissue creates a peristaltic motion of the blood vessels, therebyincreasing the flow of blood. Alternatively, the repeated, contractingmovement of muscular tissue can be induced against the flow of blood,such that the flow of blood to a given area is reduced.

The method presented herein is germane to a wide variety of medicalapplications, including various problems associated with poor bloodcirculation, improved drainage of retained water, relief of muscle andtissue pain, and therapy related to controlling the functioning oferectile tissue. The stimulation of blood flow is of particularimportance for the treatment of sores on extremities and/or in organssuffering from poor blood circulation, e.g., increasing the flow ofblood to the toes of a diabetic patient, or increasing the rate at whichan edema is drained from a body cavity. The restriction of blood flow isalso germane to a wide variety of medical applications, includingvarious surgical procedures.

Current treatments for improving blood circulation and alleviatingneural and muscle pain include manual, electrical, and mechanicalmethods. Manual treatment practiced in physiotherapy requires massageadministered by qualified personnel. This art varies according to theexperience and technique of each individual massage therapist, andtherefore can not be prescribed in an adequately standardized form. Theimprovement in blood circulation is also of an extremely limitedmagnitude.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) has seen widespread use in manyapplications. The Food and Drug Administration (Section 355.200Electrical Muscle Stimulators, CPG 7124.26) maintains that EMS devicesare recognized in the health care community as being effective formuscle reeducation, relief of muscle spasm, increasing range of motion,disuse atrophy therapy, increasing local blood circulation, andimmediate post-surgical stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venousthrombosis. It must be emphasized, however, that the stimulationprovided by EMS is very similar to the stimulation achieved bytherapeutic massage. The increase in blood circulation is so modest thatit is often undetectable using conventional flow-measuring equipmentsuch as Doppler-based equipment. EMS is a random excitation of a localtissue area. Hence, EMS methods, like therapeutic massage, hot-watertreatments, etc. are incapable of providing a major increase in thelocalized flow of blood. Moreover, because the excitation is random, EMSmethods are fundamentally incapable of providing a decrease in thelocalized flow of blood.

Also known is a sequential pneumatic device for the reduction of anedema. The device consists of several overlapping compartments containedin a sleeve assembly. The compartments are inflated in a sequentialfashion, from a distal end disposed adjacent to the edema, to a proximalend, such that the edema is pressed in the proximal direction. Eachcompartment is filled with air by a pump. The cycle starts with thefilling of the distal compartment, and subsequently the remainingcompartments are filled until all compartments are full. After adeflation period, the cycle is repeated.

In such electromechanical installations, electric motors, reciprocatingmechanisms and the like create uncomfortable noise and vibration. Thesetreatments are of further disadvantage in that they require variousdevice elements to be contacted with the skin. These elements are oftena source of discomfort to the patient, and require changing and cleaningafter each use in order to ensure good sanitary conditions.

There is therefore a recognized need for, and it would be highlyadvantageous to have, a method for promoting, regulating, and/ordecreasing the localized fluid circulation through blood vessels,according to demand. It would be of further advantage if such a methodwould be simple, user-friendly, non-invasive, repeatable, and adjustableto the individual needs of the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided atreatment method for promoting a localized increase in a flow of bloodthrough a blood vessel in an area of a body, including the steps of: (a)providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode operativelycontacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) at least a secondelectrode operatively contacting a second portion of body tissue, and(iii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the first electrodeand the second electrode, for providing a plurality of electricalimpulses to the electrodes; (b) applying the electrical impulses so asto subject the muscular tissue to at least one voltage differential,thereby inducing a repeated, contracting, directional movement ofmuscular tissue associated with the blood vessel, so as, to produce alocalized increase in the flow of blood through the blood vessel.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided atreatment method for promoting a localized change in a flow of bloodthrough a blood vessel in an area of a body, including the steps of: (a)providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode operativelycontacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) at least a secondelectrode operatively contacting a second portion of body tissue, and(iii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the first electrodeand the second electrode, for providing a plurality of electricalimpulses to the electrodes, and (b) placing the at least a firstelectrode at one end of the area, and placing the at least a secondelectrode at a second end of the area, and (c) applying the electricalimpulses so as to establish a voltage differential between theelectrodes, the voltage differential being made up of two wave formspropagated in opposite directions between the electrodes, so as toproduce a localized change in the flow of blood through the bloodvessel.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided atreatment method for promoting a localized decrease in a flow of bloodthrough a blood vessel in an area of a body, including the steps of: (a)providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode operativelycontacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) at least a secondelectrode operatively contacting a second portion of body tissue, and(iii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the first electrodeand the second electrode, for providing a plurality of electricalimpulses to the electrodes, and (b) applying the electrical impulses soas to subject the muscular tissue to at least one voltage differential,thereby inducing a repeated, contracting movement of muscular tissueassociated with the blood vessel, so as to produce a localized decreasein the flow of blood through the blood vessel.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a device for promoting a localized change in a flow of bloodthrough a blood vessel, the device including: (a) at least a firstelectrode operatively contacting a first portion of body tissue; (b) atleast a second electrode operatively contacting a second portion of bodytissue, and (c) a signal generator, operatively connected to the firstelectrode and the second electrode, for providing a plurality ofelectrical impulses to the electrodes, and (d) control means forcontrolling signals produced by the signal generator, wherein thecontrol means and the signal generator are designed and configured, andthe electrodes are displaced, so as to establish a voltage differentialbetween the electrodes, the voltage differential being made up of waveforms propagated in opposite directions between the electrodes, thevoltage differential for promoting a localized change in the flow ofblood through the blood vessel.

According to features in the described preferred embodiments, theelectrical impulses act upon the muscular tissue to produce a periodic,repetitive, undulating motion that imposes on the blood vessel arepetitive periodic motion of peristaltic character.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the first electrode is a first plurality of electrodes, thesecond electrode is a second plurality of electrodes, and the providingof the localized increase in the flow of blood is achieved by spacingthe electrodes of the first plurality and of the second plurality alonga length of the area and establishing sequential and repetitive voltagedifferences between the electrodes of the first plurality and theelectrodes of the second plurality.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the method further includes the step of: (e) placing thefirst electrode at one end of the area, and placing the second electrodeat a second end of the area, and wherein the voltage differentialestablished between the electrodes is made up of two wave formspropagated in opposite directions so as to obtain a resultant signal ofdefined direction, frequency and strength whereby the repeatedcontracting movement of muscular tissue is induced.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the first electrode is a single first electrode, and thesecond electrode is a single second electrode.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the method further includes the step of: (c) optimizing thelocalized increase in the flow of blood.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the optimizing is based upon sensory controlled adjustment.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the optimizing is performed based upon instrumentallymeasured blood flow.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the method further includes the step of: (c) obtaining aperiodic measurement of the flow of blood through the blood vessel, and(d) optimizing the localized increase or decrease in the flow of bloodbased upon the measurement.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the method further includes the step of: (c) modulating aparameter of a wave signal established across the first electrode andthe second electrode.

According to still farther features in the described preferredembodiments, the parameter of the wave signal includes a frequency ofthe wave signal.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the parameter of the wave signal includes a form of thewave signal.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the parameter of the wave signal includes a voltage of thewave signal.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the method further includes the step of: (c) modulating aparameter of the repeated contracting movement to achieve defined targetcharacteristics for the flow of blood.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, a pressure sensor is utilized to measure or indicate theblood flow.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the method further includes the step of: (c) synchronizingthe plurality of electrical impulses with pulses of blood correspondingto heartbeats, to obtain the localized increase in the flow of blood.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the synchronizing is achieved by monitoring blood pressurein the body.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the signal consists of a positive voltage differentialphase and a negative voltage differential phase, wherein the positivephase and the negative phase have a time overlap.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the time overlap is between 1 microsecond and 500microseconds.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the time overlap is between 10 microseconds and 100microseconds.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the signal consists of a plurality of positive voltagedifferential peaks and a plurality of negative voltage differentialpeaks, wherein each of the peaks has a duration of 30-500 microseconds.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, each of the peaks has a duration of 50-300 microseconds.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, each of the positive peaks has a duration of 150-300microseconds.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the signal consists of a plurality of pulses, each of thepulses including a positive voltage differential phase and a negativevoltage differential phase, wherein the plurality of pulses has afrequency in the range of 0.5-150 pulses per second (PPS).

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the plurality of pulses has a frequency in the range of25-150 PPS.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the localized change is an increase in the flow of bloodthrough the blood vessel.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the localized change is a decrease in the flow of bloodthrough the blood vessel.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the voltage differential is a plurality of voltagedifferentials.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the voltage differential is controlled by the control meansso as to induce a repeated, contracting, directional movement ofmuscular tissue associated with the blood vessel, thereby achieving thelocalized increase in the flow of blood through the blood vessel.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the control means control the wave forms so as to obtain aresultant signal of defined direction, frequency and strength, whereby arepeated, contracting movement of muscular tissue is induced.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the device further includes: (e) an instrument formeasuring blood flow, operatively connected to the control means.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the control means are further designed to initiate thesequence of electrical impulses based on an input from the instrument.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the instrument includes a pressure sensor for producingblood pressure data.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the control means are further designed to synchronize thesequence of electrical impulses with pulses of blood corresponding toheartbeats.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the signal generator includes at least two signalgenerators.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments, the device further includes: (e) amplifiers, operativelyconnected in parallel to the signal generator.

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of theexisting technologies by providing a painless, external, non-invasivemethod of enhancing or reducing a localized flow of blood. The presentinvention is simple, easy to adjust, and is readily adaptable to theneeds of a specific patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now tothe drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are byway of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presentedin the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful andreadily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspectsof the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structuraldetails of the invention in more detail than is necessary for afundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken withthe drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the severalforms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 provides a schematic illustration of a section of a forearm towhich are affixed a first electrode and a second electrode, according tothe prior art;

FIG. 2 provides a schematic illustration of the inner tissues of theforearm section of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional diagram depicting the peristaltic pumpingprinciple;

FIG. 4 provides a schematic illustration of a method for enhancing bloodflow using a large plurality of electrodes, according to one aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 provides a schematic illustration of a method for enhancing bloodflow using two electrode pairs operatively connected to a system havingat least two signal generators;

FIG. 6 provides a schematic illustration of a method for enhancing bloodflow using a single electrode pair;

FIG. 7 a provides a schematic illustration of a system for enhancingblood flow according to the method described in the descriptionaccompanying FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 b provides a schematic illustration of a system for enhancingblood flow according to the method described in the descriptionaccompanying FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 a is a graph showing an exemplary voltage vs. time curve for atreatment method according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 b is a graph showing another exemplary voltage vs. time curve fora treatment method according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 a is a plot showing blood flow through a blood vessel, as afunction of time, measured using a Doppler instrument, during a normalperiod prior to initiating the treatment method of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 b is a plot showing blood flow through a blood vessel as afunction of time, using the treatment method of the present invention;

FIG. 10 a is a plot showing blood flow through a blood vessel as afunction of time, before implementing the treatment method of thepresent invention, the blood flow being measured using a Dopplerinstrument having ultrasound capability for mapping the blood vessel;

FIG. 10 b is a plot showing blood flow through a blood vessel as afunction of time, using the instrument of FIG. 10 a, and applying thetreatment method of the present invention;

FIG. 11 a is a magnified view of the blood vessel mapping shown in FIG.10 a, and FIG. 11 b is a magnified view of the blood vessel mappingshown in FIG. 10 b.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided atreatment method for promoting a localized increase in a flow of bloodthrough a blood vessel in a particular area of the body.

The principles and operation of this process according to the presentinvention may be better understood with reference to the drawings andthe accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawing. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section thatfollows, the term “polarity” refers to any an absolute magnitude ofvoltage, including zero voltage.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section thatfollows, the term “modulated” and “modulation” refer to a process ofchanging one or more property of electromagnetic energy by methods knownin the art and realizable using various commercially available devices.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section thatfollows, the term “voltage differential” refers to an absolutedifference between two distinct voltage values.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section thatfollows, the term “peristaltic” refers to a property common toperistalsis, wherein one or more vessels carrying fluids is compressedin a series of concerted contractions or constrictions in order to movethe fluids in a desired direction.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section thatfollows, the term “instrumentally measured blood flow” and the likeinclude instrumentally measured flow rates measured using any direct orindirect method. The term is also meant to include any direct orindirect instrumental methods of sensing the heartbeat or the pulsing ofblood. Specifically, the term is meant to include methods that utilizepressure sensors to determine relative or absolute blood flow rates, orto sense the pulsing of blood.

In FIG. 1 is provided a schematic illustration of a section 20 of aforearm to which are affixed a first electrode 22 at one end of section20 and a second electrode 24 at the opposite end of section 20.Electrodes 22, 24 are operatively connected to a power source (notshown). It is known in the art that the application of a suitablevoltage differential and current to electrodes 22, 24, results in acontraction of muscular tissue (see FIG. 2). The contraction occurs witha certain time delay, and at a point 26 approximately midway betweenelectrodes 22, 24.

In FIG. 2 is provided a schematic illustration of the inner tissues ofthe forearm section of FIG. 1, which include bone 151, muscle fibersforming muscle 153, and body fluid vessel 152. Vessel 152, (a generalterm for blood-transporting conduits, which includes, but is not limitedto, arteries and veins) located between muscle 153 and skin 150, carriesblood substantially along the length of muscle 153.

Subsequent to applying a current to electrode groups 110 and 120, amuscular contractions occurs, causing a bulge or knot 154 in the fibersof muscle 153, thereby impinging upon vessel 152 at constriction point155.

It has been discovered by the inventor that this phenomenon can beharnessed to enhance the flow of blood through vessel 152. Withoutwishing to be limited by theory, the inventor attributes the enhancedflow of blood to a peristaltic effect in which the electric currentcauses such muscular contractions and blood vessel constrictions tooccur in series along the length of the muscular tissue. The series ofblood vessel constrictions occurs in a very short time frame, such thatthe flow of blood within the blood vessel is enhanced in a directionpredetermined by the form of the electric impulse delivered to theelectrodes.

The peristaltic pumping action is better understood by referring to FIG.3. A typical peristaltic pump utilizes tubing 130 that contains andconveys the pumped fluid. Wall 135 of tubing 130 is typically made ofresilient and pliable synthetic material and the tubing 130 is conformedto a U-shaped pattern as shown in the diagram. Against the tubing aredisposed-three equidistantly and radially arranged rollers 137, 139 and141, which are mounted on a frame 140 that is typically driven by anytype of electrical motor, in direction 136. The axis of the frame 140 isdisposed such that two of the three rollers held thereon cause thetubing 130 to be compressed and constricted: roller 139 creates aconstriction point 144 and roller 141 creates a constriction point 143.Subsequent to rotation of the frame 140 in counterclockwise fashion, apumping action is effected whereby a portion 133 of the fluid is drawninward in direction 131, a portion 142 of the fluid is entrained betweenconstriction points 143 and 144 created by rollers 141 and 139respectively, such that portion 142 is caused to move along direction136, and a portion of fluid 134 is caused to be driven outward indirection 132. Thus, the peristaltic motion causes blood to flow frominlet 124 to outlet 126.

Peristaltic transportation by the wavelike constriction of involuntarymuscle tissue is a mechanism used by the body to move food along thelength of the alimentary canal. The involuntary muscular walls ofarteries can expand or contract to enhance or constrict the flow ofblood.

According to the present invention, this principle can be applied byproviding a series of external electric impulses, such that the muscularcontractions (and hence, the constrictions of an adjacent blood vessel)occur along the length of the muscular tissue in a timely fashion thatis conducive to peristaltic flow.

The peristaltic pumping effect can be achieved in various ways. FIG. 4,by way of example, provides a schematic illustration of the forearmsection 20 shown in FIG. 1, to which are affixed a series of electrodes51-60 disposed between site A and site B of the forearm section 20. Itmust be emphasized that in FIG. 4 and in the accompanying description,the number of electrodes, the positioning of the electrodes, and thesequence in which the voltage differential is applied are provided byway of example, in order to illustrate the invention. It will beappreciated by one skilled in the art that many other configurations andsequences are possible.

Electrodes 51-60 are operatively connected to one or more signalgenerators (not shown), however, for the purpose of this example, asingle signal generator is used. The signal generator first provides asuitable voltage differential and current to electrodes 51 and 52,resulting in a contraction of muscular tissue, with a certain timedelay, and at a point 62 midway between electrodes 51 and 52. Thiscontraction causes a constriction in a blood vessel adjacent to themuscular tissue, as described above. Subsequently, the signal generatorprovides a voltage differential to electrodes 51 and 52, resulting infurther contraction of muscular tissue, this time at a point 64approximately midway between electrodes 51 and 53. Subsequently, thesignal generator provides a voltage differential to electrodes 51 and54, resulting in further contraction of muscular tissue, this time at apoint 66 midway between electrodes 51 and 54. Subsequently, the signalgenerator provides a voltage differential to electrodes 51 and 55,resulting in further contraction of muscular tissue, this time at apoint 68 midway between electrodes 51 and 55. It may be advantageous toactivate an electrode other than electrode 51. Thus, in the next stageof the sequence, the signal generator can provide a voltage differentialto electrodes 52 and 55, resulting in further contraction of musculartissue, this time at a point 70, approximately midway between electrodes52 and 55. The sequence described above can be continued until the finalcontraction in the sequence (at point 72) is achieved by supplying avoltage differential to electrodes 59 and 60.

It has thus been demonstrated how a series of muscular contractions canbe propagated along a length of muscular tissue, in this case betweensite A and site B of forearm 20. This series of contractions enhancesthe flow of blood by constricting an adjacent blood vessel so as tosubstantially effect peristaltic pumping.

It has been further discovered by the inventor that peristaltic pumpingfrom site A to site B can be effected in such a blood vessel evenwithout the positioning of electrodes across the length between site Aand site B, as previously illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 provides aschematic illustration of the forearm section 20 shown in FIG. 1 andFIG. 4, to which are affixed a first electrode pair, 80A and 80B, and asecond electrode pair, 82A and 82B. By way of example, electrodes 80Aand 82A are situated near the end of site A, and electrodes 80B and 82Bare situated near the end of site B of forearm section 20. As shown inFIG. 7 a, each electrode pair is operatively connected to a differentsignal generator. Initially, a voltage differential is applied to firstelectrode pair 80A and 80B, by a first signal generator 85. Very shortlythereafter, a voltage differential is applied to second electrode pair82A and 82B, by a second signal generator 87, wherein the sign on thevoltage differential is reversed relative to the initial impulseprovided to first electrode pair 80A and 80B.

As a result, the initial muscular contraction does not occur halfwaybetween the above-mentioned electrode pairs, as might be anticipated,but at point 86, close to the end of site A. Without wishing to belimited by theory, it is believed that this phenomenon is related to thefact that a muscle is fundamentally different from an ideal resistor inthat a muscle is an extremely complex resistor having an inherent lagtime until contraction occurs. In any event, after a short timeinterval, another voltage differential is applied to first electrodepair 80A and 80B by first signal generator 85. Immediately thereafter, avoltage differential is applied to second electrode pair 82A and 82B, bysecond signal generator 87, as described above. Consequently, the musclecontinues to contract from point 86 to point 88. This sequence isrepeated several times, and the point of contraction shifts from point88 to point 90, from point 90 to point 92, and ultimately, the point ofcontraction reaches point 94, located near site B. As explained above,the point of constriction of the adjacent blood vessel (see FIG. 3)substantially parallels the point of contraction of the muscular tissue.Thus, the directional constriction of the blood vessel increases theflow within the blood vessel due to the peristaltic effect. If thedirectional constriction of the blood vessel is opposite to the naturaldirection of flow in the blood vessel, the peristaltic effect reducesthe flow of blood coming from the heart.

Upon reaching point 94, the cycle is reinitiated, with the point ofcontraction again occurring near point 86.

Preferably, the voltage differential applied to second electrode pair82A and 82B by second signal generator 87, wherein the sign on thevoltage differential is reversed relative to the initial impulseprovided to first electrode pair 80A and 80B, is timed such that theinitiation of the voltage differential takes place before the voltagedifferential applied to first electrode pair 80A and 80B by first signalgenerator 85 has been terminated. Exemplary voltage vs. time curves areprovided in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, described in Example 1 below.

FIG. 6 illustrates a more simple configuration of the present invention,one that requires only a single electrode pair. By way of example, FIG.6 provides a schematic illustration of the forearm section 20 shown inFIGS. 1, 4 and 5, to which is affixed a single electrode pair, 180A and180B, substantially in the same location as single electrode pair 80Aand 80B shown in FIG. 5. Electrode pair 180A and 180B is connected to 4amplifiers (a1-a4) in a differential floating scheme, as shown in FIG. 7b and as described in further detail below.

This configuration enables each electrode in electrode pair 180A and180B to change polarity from a positive charge to a negative charge, andvice versa, according to the program that the controller dictates tosignal generators 85, 87. In essence, electrode 180A performs thefunction of electrodes 80A and 82A (FIG. 5), and similarly, electrode180B performs the function of electrodes 80B and 82B.

FIG. 7 a is a schematic electric diagram of the system referred to inthe description of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 b is a schematic electric diagram ofthe system referred to in the description of FIG. 6. In FIG. 7 a, system300 includes electrodes 80A and 80B connected to amplifiers a1 and a2,respectively. Amplifiers a1 and a2 are connected to signal generator 85,which is in turn connected to a power supply (not shown). Similarly,electrodes 82A and 82B are connected to amplifiers a3 and a4,respectively. Amplifiers a3 and a4 are connected to signal generator 87,which is in turn connected to a power supply (not shown). Whenelectrodes 80 a and 80 b (or electrodes 82A and 82B) are electricallycontacted to an area of skin on the patient, a current is passed throughthe area in order to complete the electric circuit.

In FIG. 7 b, system 400 includes electrode 180A connected to amplifiersa2 and a3, and electrode 180B connected to amplifiers a1 and a4.Amplifiers a1 and a2 are connected to signal generator 85, as in FIG. 7a described above. Similarly, amplifiers a3 and a4 are connected tosignal generator 87, as in FIG. 7 a. Amplifiers a1-a4 are disposed in adifferential floating configuration.

When electrodes 180 a and 180 b are electrically contacted to an area ofskin on the patient, a current is passed through the area in order tocomplete the electric circuit.

The frequency, the number, the intensity and the duration of musclecontractions are controlled by the modulation characteristics of thecurrent passed to the electrodes. The treatment method of the inventionprovides for repeating the passing of the modulated voltage to thetreated area sufficient number of times so as to affect a localizedincrease in the flow of blood. This is important in a wide variety ofmedical applications, including but not limited to rehabilitatingmuscular response affected by a trauma, inactivity, decreasing theamount of water retained, as in case of the lower limbs, improving bloodand lymph circulation, thereby alleviating pain, therapy related tocontrolling the function of erectile tissue, and speeding up healing,particularly in the case of diabetic patients. The restriction of bloodflow by inducing the repeated, contracting movement of muscular tissueagainst the natural flow of blood is also germane to a wide variety ofmedical applications, including various surgical procedures.

Various frequencies and wave forms have been found to be effective inthe method of the present invention. Appropriate wave forms includesquare waves, waves of transcendental functions, spikes, linearfunctions, and stepped patterns. Frequencies vary greatly, depending onthe general health of the client, the type and duration of thetreatment, etc.

It must also be emphasized that the experienced operator can adjust thewave forms, frequencies, and intensity according to the needs of theindividual patient.

In FIG. 7 b, the wave form, frequency, etc. produced by signal generator85 and by signal generator 87 are controlled by CPU 89. In a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the parameters dictated by CPU 89are pre-determined. It must be emphasized that various frequencies andwave forms have been found to be effective in conjunction with themethod of the present invention. Appropriate wave forms include squarewaves, waves of transcendental functions, spikes, linear functions, andstepped patterns. Frequencies vary greatly, depending on the generalhealth of the client, the type and duration of the treatment, etc.Hence, it is preferable that the device be configured such that anoperator can easily adjust such parameters in CPU 89.

Another preferred embodiment, in which the signal generators arecontrolled by CPU 89 based on input from a sensor 91, is describedhereinbelow.

FIG. 9 a is a plot showing blood flow through a blood vessel as afunction of time, before implementing the treatment method of thepresent invention. The magnitude of the blood flow is correlated to thelinear velocity, which is measured using a Doppler instrument. The majorpeaks 220 correspond to the linear velocity of the blood through theblood vessel during each pulse (heartbeat). The minor peaks 230correspond to the linear velocity of the blood through the blood vesselbetween pulses. The average magnitude of major peaks 220 is 21.1 cm/s;The average magnitude of minor peaks 230 is 6.0 cm/s.

After completing the plot provided in FIG. 9 a, the treatment method ofthe present invention was implemented on the subject. FIG. 9 b shows thelinear velocity of the blood flowing through the blood vessel as afunction of time. The major peaks 320 have an average magnitude of 30.8cm/s. The minor peaks 330 have an average magnitude of 6.7 cm/s. Thus,the average magnitude of the major peaks is increased by 40-50%, whichindicates an appreciable increase in the local blood flow through theblood vessel.

FIG. 10 a is another plot, similar to FIG. 9 a, showing the linearvelocity of the blood flowing through a blood vessel as a function oftime, before implementing the blood flow enhancement (BFE) method of thepresent invention. The linear velocity is measured using a Dopplerinstrument having ultrasound capability for mapping the blood vessel.

FIG. 10 b is a plot showing the linear velocity of the blood flowingthrough the blood vessel as a function of time, using the instrument ofFIG. 10 a, after applying the treatment method of the present invention.

FIG. 11 a is a magnified view of the blood vessel mapping shown in FIG.10 a. This view is temporal, as the diameter of the blood vessel isdependent on the volumetric flow rate of the blood, which varies withtime and is substantially cyclic with respect to the heartbeat. FIG. 11b is a magnified view of the blood vessel mapping shown in FIG. 10 b, inwhich the inventive BFE method of the present invention is applied. Thewidth of the blood vessel based on the ultrasound data, was found tohave increased relative to the width of the blood vessel in FIG. 11 a.The volumetric flow rate through the blood vessel is proportional to thelinear velocity multiplied by the cross-sectional area of the bloodvessel. The percent increase in linear velocity demonstrated in FIGS. 9a and 9 b is multiplied by the square of the width ratio to calculatethe percent increase in volumetric flow rate. Hence, the increase inblood flow through the blood vessel is actually even higher than theappreciable increase in blood velocity using the BFE device and methodof the present invention.

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided atreatment method for promoting a localized increase or decrease in aflow of blood through a blood vessel in an area of a body, including thesteps of: (a) providing a system including: (i) at least a firstelectrode operatively contacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) atleast a second electrode operatively contacting a second portion of bodytissue, and (iii) a signal generator providing a plurality of electricalimpulses having at least one voltage differential to the first electrodeand the second electrode, and (b) providing the localized increase ordecrease in the flow of blood through the blood vessel by inducement ofa repeated, contracting, directional movement of muscular tissueassociated with the blood vessel wherein the inducement is achieved bysubjecting the muscular tissue to the voltage differential via theelectrodes.

According to further features in the described preferred embodiments,the method further includes optimizing the localized increase ordecrease in the flow of blood. The optimizing is preferably based uponsensory controlled adjustment and/or instrumentally measured blood flow.

Although it will be appreciated that one skilled in the art couldutilize various and sundry means for instrumentally measuring the bloodflow or the timing of the heartbeat, as described above, I have foundthat a pressure sensor is particularly suitable for this function. Morespecifically, miniature, off-the-shelf pressure sensors such as MotorolaChip Pak High Volume Sensor for Low Pressure Applications (Serial No.MPXC2011DT1) are readily connected to the CPU of the BFE device of thepresent invention, such that the CPU controls the electric signalsproduced based on the data obtained from the sensor.

This is more readily understood in conjunction with FIG. 7 b, describedhereinabove. Sensor 91, which is a pressure sensor, by way of example,is operatively connected to CPU 89 in system 400. Sensor 91 is disposedexternally to the skin of the subject, in operative proximity to therest of system 400. Preferably, sensor 91 is disposed so as to obtain acontinuous or semi-continuous reading of the blood pressure in thevicinity of electrode 180 a, which is arbitrarily defined to be theelectrode that is closer to the heart.

The pressure in blood vessels is characteristically pulsed andsubstantially cyclic, corresponding to the beating of the heart and thecirculation of the blood. Consequently, the maximum flow rate of bloodthrough a blood vessel or a group of blood vessels can be sensed bysensor 91. It has been found that the efficacy of the blood flowenhancement of the present invention is greatly improved when theinduced series of muscular contractions is synchronized with the maximumflow rate of blood delivered from the heart. Thus, CPU 89 is preferablyconfigured so as to initiate a new series of muscular contractions (viasignal generators 85, 87, amplifiers a1-a4, and electrodes 180 a, 180 b)upon receiving a maximum reading, close to maximum reading, or a readingabove a pre-determined value.

EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with theabove descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non limiting fashion.

Example 1

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary voltage vs. time graph for a treatment methodaccording to the present invention, using the system described in FIG. 7b and in FIG. 6. The impulses are square waves having an intensity of 30Volts. The duration of each square wave is approximately 100microseconds. It should be pointed out that the time axis has not beendrawn to scale, in order to fit 3 full cycles in the graph.

The initial impulse provided to electrode pair 180A and 180B by firstsignal generator 85 voltage has a positive voltage differential (+30Volts). The second impulse applied to electrode pair 180A and 180B bysecond signal generator 87, has a reversed charge, i.e., a negativecharge of −30 Volts. The second impulse overlaps the first impulse byabout 50, such that the second impulse is terminated about 50microseconds after the first impulse has been terminated.

The time interval between positive impulses (or between negativeimpulses) is approximately 1 millisecond. Although only 6 impulses areshown in FIG. 8, it will be appreciated that a practical treatmentrequires a large plurality of such impulses.

FIG. 8 b is an oscilloscope tracing showing another exemplary voltagevs. time curve for a treatment method according to the presentinvention. Each individual pulse (or spike) has a voltage of .about.35Vand a duration of 250 microseconds. The sequence is characterized by 2positive spikes followed by 2 negative spikes. The load is approximately500 ohms.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

1. A treatment method for promoting a localized change in a flow ofblood through a blood vessel in an area of a body, comprising the stepsof (a) providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode;(ii) at least a second electrode, and (iii) a signal generator,operatively connected to said first electrode and said second electrode,for providing a plurality of electrical impulses to said electrodes; (b)placing said at least a first electrode at one end of the area, andplacing said at least a second electrode at a second end of the area,and (c) applying said electrical impulses so as to establish a voltagedifferential between said electrodes, said voltage differential beingmade up of two wave forms propagated in opposite directions between saidelectrodes, so as to produce a localized change in the flow of bloodthrough the blood vessel.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein saidelectrical impulses are applied so as to induce a repeated, contracting,directional movement of muscular tissue associated with the bloodvessel.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said impulses include apositive voltage differential phase and a negative voltage differentialphase, and wherein said positive phase and said negative phase have atime overlap.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said localized change isan increase in the flow of blood through the blood vessel.
 5. The methodof claim 3, wherein said localized change is a decrease in the flow ofblood through the blood vessel.
 6. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising the step of: (d) synchronizing said plurality of electricalimpulses with pulses of blood corresponding to heartbeats, to obtainsaid localized increase in the flow of blood.
 7. The method of claim 3,wherein said electrodes are surface electrodes.